Elizabeth González Aznar, daughter of Doctor in Sciences Raúl González Hernández, creator of the anti-anemic medication Trofin, revealed that her father has been forced to beg for the drug for his relatives. Despite the seriousness of her claim, she stated that she does not fear reprisals, as she believes that the institutional indifference toward him has been evident since his retirement.
González explained on Facebook that they have had to rely on gestures of solidarity from others to obtain jars of the product that has brought significant benefits to Cuban health, but whose acquisition has become almost impossible.
In that regard, he expressed his gratitude to those who have helped them, even at the risk of potential reprisals.
"I am infinitely grateful for the jars of Trofin that I have been able to obtain thanks to many people, including workers from BioCen, whose names I will keep private to avoid getting them into trouble," he stated.
However, despite that, she expressed feeling at peace with her decision to make the situation public, emphasizing that her father deserves all the support and recognition for the years of hard work and sacrifice dedicated to the development of Trofin.
"Many are concerned about the consequences, censorship, reprisals, some form of reprimand, and those things we know occur, but honestly, I don't believe it," he pointed out.
He considered it would be "logical" to receive some kind of communication from the management of BioCen or BioCubaFarma; however, he indicated that he does not believe they will do so: "Since my father retired, there have been several gestures, signals, and actions that say 'we don't care about you,' 'we no longer need you,' which makes us sure that nothing will happen."
Her stance, however, is not without risks, but it highlights her strong determination to voice support for her family's efforts and achievements.
In her message, she recalled that in the past, she had chosen silence in similar circumstances after the loss of her mother, but now, with her father still alive, she could not remain silent.
González's complaint has sparked a wave of solidarity on social media, where thousands of people have sent messages of support and expressed their outrage at the institutional indifference towards the creator of Trofin.
This December 3rd, while the Cuban regime "honors" doctors, it is fitting to remember that other workers in the health sector, who also take this day as an opportunity to receive congratulations, face hardships and government neglect once they reach retirement.
39% of Cuban retirees receive the minimum pension, a concerning figure that becomes even more striking when translated into absolute numbers. Of the 1.7 million beneficiaries of Social Security in Cuba—including pensions, maternity protection, and individuals with partial disabilities—almost four out of ten retirees receive just 1,528 pesos per month.
The number of retirees receiving the minimum pension has been confirmed to the state media by Virginia Marlene García Reyes, the General Director of Social Security at the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
According to statements made to Cubadebate, the state allocates 40 million pesos for pension payments amid inflation that struggled to fall below 30% in 2023.
These figures put a large segment of the Cuban population in a difficult dilemma: What can a retiree buy today with 1,528 pesos?
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Raúl González Hernández and the Antianemic Trofin
Who is Dr. Raúl González Hernández?
Dr. Raúl González Hernández is a prominent Cuban scientist best known for developing the anti-anemic drug Trofin. His career has focused on the research and creation of biopreparations, but despite his significant contributions, he faces challenges in accessing his own medication and a lack of official recognition in Cuba.
What is Trofin and why is it important in Cuba?
Trofin is an antianemic medication developed in the 1990s by Dr. Raúl González Hernández. It is primarily used to treat anemia in patients who do not tolerate conventional treatments. Its significance lies in its effectiveness and the positive impact it has had on public health in Cuba.
Why is Dr. González Hernández facing difficulties in obtaining the Trofin?
Dr. González Hernández is facing difficulties obtaining Trofin due to the medication's scarcity in Cuba and the lack of institutional recognition and support following his retirement. Despite being the creator of Trofin, the Cuban system does not prioritize his access to the medication.
How does the lack of recognition affect scientists in Cuba?
The lack of individual recognition affects both access to benefits and the personal dignity of scientists in Cuba. The country's intellectual property policies register discoveries in the name of institutions, rendering individual contributions invisible and leaving many scientists without the respect and attention they deserve.
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